A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the PAC

Well, it actually happened at the PAC.

Before I get into that, let me start off by saying I am not a joiner. At least not by nature. I don't generally like meeting new people. Its not them, its me...seriously. Before I have to go to a new place or meet new people I get all sweaty, red-faced, nervous and awkward. I feel like I stutter and then I inevitably start to, what would be in a daintier person, nervously giggle but with me in just comes out as a big dorky guffaw.

But in the interest of settling in and getting to know people in my new town I set aside my 'no joiner' policy and went out to the Parent Advisory Committee meetings at both the elementary school and the middle school.

September meetings went well. I mostly sat back and watched. I asked a few questions but managed to escape both meetings unscathed and uncommitted. October did not go so well.

At the elementary school I ended up getting myself on a two person committee to revamp the playground and create an outdoor classroom. No big deal but I as I walked into the middle school for their PAC meeting last night I told myself, "No talking at the PAC!"

Well, that lasted all of five minutes! Unbeknownst to me it was elections night. As the discussion turned to electing a new executive it became clear that there were not enough parents willing to sign up and that PAC was in danger of being dissolved. I was irritated that parents are eager to stand at a hockey rink for hours every week to watch their kids compete in sports but were not willing to give up one hour a month to be involved in their children's education.

Minutes after that came flying out of my mouth I was named the new co-chair of the PAC.

Huh? Note to self: must remain quiet...with great gabbing comes great responsibility.